Department for Transport

Driving Licences: EU Countries

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU on 31 December, what progress they have made on issuing 90,000 new driver permits.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The UK has an allocation of up to 1668 annual and 5040 short-term ECMT permits available for 2021. It is not the Government’s intention to rely solely on ECMT permits for market access. ECMT permits would only ever be used to supplement wider market access arrangements, either under an EU-wide agreement or a series of bilateral agreements with EU Member States. An application window for ECMT permits was open from 2 November 2020 until 20 November 2020. Permits have not yet been allocated; we will take account of the latest negotiations before doing so.

Northern Ireland Office

Borders: Northern Ireland

Lord Empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what resources they have made available for the establishment of border control posts in Northern Ireland; where any such posts will be established; and what is their current status of readiness.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: The UK Government is committed to upholding its obligations under the Northern Ireland Protocol. That includes, as we have set out previously including in our Command Paper, expanding some existing Northern Ireland points of entry for agrifood goods. The construction of expanded point of entry facilities is being led by the Northern Ireland Executive, with UK Government support. We are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive, port authorities, district councils, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland to take this work forward, and to take all measures possible in a timely way. We are also continuing discussions with the EU in the Joint Committee at pace, informed by close working with the Executive to secure a pragmatic approach to agrifood checks.

Crime: Northern Ireland

Lord Browne of Belmont: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Northern Ireland Executive and the government of the Republic of Ireland aboutaddressing cross-border crime during the Christmas period.

Viscount Younger of Leckie: We continue to engage regularly with the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to work towards the successful delivery of north-south policing and security. I commend the excellent work already carried out by the PSNI and An Garda Síochána in tackling cross-border criminality. The Joint Agency Task Force was established under the Fresh Start Agreement to enhance cross-border law enforcement cooperation aimed at tackling organised crime and criminality. This Task Force brings together expertise from across law enforcement agencies, including PSNI, HMRC, NCA and Border Force and their counterparts in Ireland. This is an excellent example of how UK-based agencies and bodies collaborate effectively with those in Ireland to tackle illegal activity. Its work is ongoing and will cover the Christmas period.

Department for Education

Teachers: Training

Baroness Donaghy: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are undertaking a review of initial teacher training; and if so, (1) how that review is being conducted, (2) what progress they have made in that review, and (3) when they estimate that they will publish that review and its conclusions.

Baroness Berridge: As part of the government’s Teacher Recruitment and Retention strategy, we committed to reviewing the initial teacher training (ITT) market to identify improvements that reduce costs for providers and exploring how we can encourage high quality providers – including high-performing MATs – to extend their reach, deliver at scale and do more to support the wider system. We started work on this earlier this year with a series of workshops with ITT sector representatives to understand the current market better. This work was paused so that government, and the ITT sector, could focus on the challenges caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.We are now resuming the ITT market review, building on the opportunities afforded by our Teacher Development reforms, including the ITT Core Content Framework. We are in the process of scoping the next phase of the review which we expect to conclude next summer.

Schools: Coronavirus

Lord Triesman: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received about the data concerning the vulnerability of teachers in the publication by the Office for National StatisticsCOVID-19 infection published in Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK, published on6 November, following concerns raised by Dr Sarah Rasmussen, TES, and the National Education Union; and what plans they have to issue revised guidance to ensure safety in schools for teachers and pupils in response.

Baroness Berridge: The department regularly engages with a wide range of organisations around its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including on data and the evidence base.The Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) COVID-19 Infection Survey results between 2 September to 16 October, published on 6 November, show no evidence of differences in the positivity rate between primary and secondary school teachers, other key workers and other professions.This evidence was endorsed by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), the body of experts that provides scientific advice to the government for emergencies. More information is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/935102/sage-65-meeting-covid-19-s0863.pdf.On 26 November the ONS published additional analysis that addresses concerns raised by Dr Rasmussen and others on the number of school workers, key workers and other professions in England who had COVID-19. This also shows no clear evidence as to whether there is a difference in the level of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 between teachers and other key workers.The department continues to review data, analysis and advice from a number of different sources including SAGE, Public Health England, the ONS, and the Joint Biosecurity Centre to ensure our policies are guided by the most up to date scientific evidence.

Schools: Food Supply

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on school food supplies.

Baroness Berridge: The UK has a high level of food security built upon a diverse range of sources including strong domestic production and imports from other countries. This will continue to be the case whether the transition period ends with or without a deal.The government is working in partnership with food suppliers to ensure there continues to be a flow of food into the country. We are confident that schools will continue to be able to provide pupils with nutritious school meals at the end of the transition period no matter the outcome of negotiations.We would still expect schools to meet the School Food Standards. Schools have a great deal of flexibility in the foods that they can deliver under the School Food Standards - if a particular product is not readily available for any reason, the standards allow schools a wide range of freedom to substitute in similar foods that are available.

Headteachers: Labour Turnover

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the poll on school leadership retention by the National Association of Head Teachers, published on 18 November; and what steps are they taking to increase headteacher retention.

Baroness Berridge: The Department has noted the results published on 18 November 2020 from the survey on school leadership retention conducted by the National Association of Head Teachers during October 2020.The Department has worked with the sector to design a reformed programme of professional development for teachers and leaders. A reformed suite of National Professional Qualifications, underpinned by new frameworks published in Autumn 2020, will be introduced from Autumn 2021. These qualifications are designed to promote strong teaching and school leadership through a shared, evidence-informed understanding of what works in order to support school leaders to address the challenges they face. The Department has invited organisations to tender to deliver these qualifications from Autumn 2021.In addition, as part of this reformed suite of National Professional Qualifications, the National Professional Qualification for Headship will offer coaching support for new Head Teachers in their first two years in role, in recognition of the particular challenges they face.

Apprentices: Training

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that off-the-job training on apprenticeship schemes are of the required quality.

Baroness Berridge: The government is making apprenticeships longer, better, with more off-the-job training and proper assessment at the end. All new learners starting an apprenticeship, from 1 August 2020, must now start on a high-quality, employer-designed standard. Employer-designed standards are central to our reforms to apprenticeships, driving up quality and delivering the skills that employers need.We have strengthened the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers. The Register provides assurance to employers that the training providers they choose have the capacity and capability to deliver good quality apprenticeship training and are ready to start delivery. A new provider assessed as making ‘Insufficient Progress’, following a monitoring visit by Ofsted, will be unable to recruit any new apprentices until Ofsted has undertaken a full inspection. Any provider that receives an ‘Inadequate’ Ofsted assessment for apprenticeships will be removed from the register. From April 2021 Ofsted will inspect apprenticeships at all levels.Off-the-job training must teach new knowledge, skills and behaviours that will contribute to the successful achievement of an apprenticeship and ensure that an apprentice is fully occupationally competent. The minimum 20 per cent off-the-job training requirement is in line with international best practice of at least a day a week in college but allows more flexibility for employers.Each apprentice will undertake rigorous and independent end-point assessment and they must be able to demonstrate occupational competence in order to pass and complete their apprenticeship. This assessment gives employers confidence that apprentices completing an apprenticeship standard can perform the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties and requirements set out in the occupational standard.In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, our intention has been to safeguard the quality of apprenticeships. We introduced flexibilities to support apprentices and employers to continue with, and complete, their programmes. We encouraged providers and assessment organisations to deliver training and end-point assessments flexibly, including remotely, whilst keeping quality in mind.

Higher Education: Racial Harassment

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by Universities UK Tackling racial harassment in higher education, published on 24 November; and what steps they are taking to increase racial diversity training for university staff.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The government is committed to levelling up the nation and maximising opportunity for all. As part of that important work, on 16 July 2020, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, more information about which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/commission-on-race-and-ethnic-disparities.Our world-leading higher education sector is an engine of social mobility and provides life-changing opportunities for thousands of students from all backgrounds every year. We do not agree with the Universities UK report in every respect, but firmly agree that we must stamp out racism wherever it exists, including in universities and higher education institutions.

Ministry of Justice

Insider Trading: Prosecutions

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prosecutions for insider trading there have been under (1) the Criminal Justice Act 1993, and (2) the Financial Services Act 2012; and what was the outcome of each such prosecution.

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prosecutions for interest rate rigging there have been under (1) the Criminal Justice Act 1993, and (2) the Financial Services Act 2012; and what was the outcome of each such prosecution.

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many prosecutions there have been for rigging foreign exchange rates under (1) the Criminal Justice Act 1993, and (2) the Financial Services Act 2012; and what was the outcome of each such prosecution.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Ministry of Justice has published information on prosecutions, convictions and sentences for offences committed under both the Financial Services Act 2012 and the Criminal Justice Act 1993, from 2013 to 2019, available in the ‘Principal offence proceedings and outcomes by Home Office offence code’ data tool, here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/888344/HO-code-tool-principal-offence-2019.xlsx No defendants were prosecuted where the principal offence fell under the Financial Services Act 2012 between 2013 and 2019. In this instance, all offences under the Criminal Justice Act 1993 are under one Home Office offence code, so cannot be disaggregated. Search ‘Detailed offence’ in the data tool linked above for ‘Insider dealing’. 12 individuals were prosecuted and 13 were sentenced under the Criminal Justice Act 1993, between 2013 and 2019. Defendants who appear before both magistrates’ and Crown courts may be convicted and sentenced for a different offence to that for which they are counted as having been originally prosecuted if the offence is changed on conviction. Sentence outcomes were 3 suspended sentences and 10 immediate custodial sentences.

Treasury

Customs

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what strategy has been adopted by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to help companiesprepare for any new customs proceduresafter the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The Government has provided extensive guidance to traders to support them in their preparations for the end of the transition period, including publishing the detailed Border Operating Model to help traders take the necessary steps. Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare, the UK Government has taken the decision to introduce the new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021. From 1 January to 30 June, UK-established traders/agents when importing non-controlled EU goods to GB free circulation will have the option to make a declaration in their own records at the time of import followed by a supplementary declaration up to 175 days later, which provides traders and intermediaries with more time to prepare. HMRC continue to work closely with industry to ensure it is engaging with the new requirements and can take the necessary steps to prepare, including through the latest public information campaign, cross-Government industry steering groups, webinars and events. Further, over £80 million of support has been made available to help the customs intermediary sector in scaling up. This includes grant funding for customs IT, training, and recruitment of new staff. HMRC will continue to engage with industry beyond the end of transition period to understand any concerns and identify any further support HMRC can provide.

Financial Services: Taxation

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the reply byLord Agnew of Oulton on 11 November (HL Deb, col 1123) whether they intend to provide details of the source and methodology for the statement that the finance industry contributes “£75 billion in tax receipts”.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: Her Majesty’s Government has taken this data from the report published by TheCityUK on the 9th of April this year, entitled ‘Key facts about UK-based financial and related professional services 2020’[1]. This report states that in 2018/19, the UK Financial Services sector contributed an estimated £75.5 billion to the UK public finances, which comprised 10.5% of all UK tax receipts. [1] ‘Key facts about UK-based financial and related professional services 2020’, TheCityUK, 7th April 2020

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the names of the entities that have received financial support through the Job Retention Scheme for the period March to October; and what was the amount received by each such entity.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: HMRC are not able to provide information on organisations that have received financial support from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), owing to HMRC’s duty of confidentiality. HMRC cannot publish identifying information that relates to their functions, which include the CJRS, unless there is an appropriate legal basis for publication. No such legal basis was in place for the CJRS prior to 12 November 2020 when the CJRS Direction of that date was signed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In line with the published direction, as part of HMRC’s commitment to transparency and to deter fraudulent claims, HMRC will publish information about employers who claim for periods starting on or after 1 December 2020. This will not cover employer details for use of the CJRS prior to December. Although HMRC cannot specify organisations that have claimed under the CJRS, by midnight on 18 October £41,400,000,000 worth of claims had been made under the scheme.

Banks: Company Accounts

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the capital maintenance concepts they expect to be followed by UK banks when preparing their financial statements.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: UK banks are subject to different and separate requirements in respect of solvency, capital maintenance and distribution. The capital maintenance requirements stem from the Companies Act 2006, which apply to UK companies including companies that are banks. These require the determination of profits available for distribution, including for a public company, to be made by reference to the relevant accounts of a company. These accounts must be properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act, with relevant accounting standards and with the overriding requirement that they must give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the company. Separately, and, in addition, banks in the UK are subject to the Prudential Regulation Authority’s (PRA’s) prudential capital requirements. These require banks to maintain appropriate capital resources, both in terms of quantity and quality, taking into account the risks to which they are exposed. These use as inputs some numbers taken or derived from a bank’s accounts but are otherwise a framework separate from that governing a company’s accounts.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Egypt: Detainees

Lord Judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the signing of the Memoranda of Understandingby the Foreign Secretary and the Egyptian Foreign Minister on 6 November 2015, what representations they have made to the government of Egypt about its use of anti-terrorist charges against (1) Karim Ennarah, (2) Mohammed Basheer, and (3) Gasser Abdel Razeq; andwhat discussions they have had with that government about theevidence on which such charges are based.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We welcome the release of Gasser Abdel Razek, Karim Ennarah and Mohamed Basheer. The UK was clear from the outset that we had serious concerns about their arrest and detention, concerns shared by likeminded international partners. The Foreign Secretary raised the issue with his Egyptian counterpart on 19 November, the first Foreign Minister to do so. We continue to take a close interest in this case. We continue to have regular discussions with the Government of Egypt on human rights issues, raising concerns where we have them.

Egypt: Detainees

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 24 January (HL454), what further representations they have made to the government of Egypt about the indefinite detention and access to medical care of (1) Essam El-Haddad, and (2) Gehad El-Haddad.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We continue to raise our human rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities, particularly around detention and prison conditions. Most recently, our Ambassador in Cairo raised concerns over detention conditions with the President of Egypt's National Council for Human Rights during a meeting on 18 November. We continue to urge the authorities to ensure that all detainees are treated in accordance with relevant international human rights standards.

Giulio Regeni

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Egypt about that government co-operating fully with the Italian investigations into the Egyptian security officials suspected of torturing and killing Giulio Regeni in February 2016, including extradition to Italy for trial.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have the deepest sympathy for Giulio Regeni's family and their quest for justice for his appalling murder. As Mr Regeni was an Italian citizen, the Italian Government is taking the lead role on his case. We continue to follow the investigation into his death and to work closely with the Italian Government. We last discussed this at an official level with the Italian authorities on 23 November. We have also raised with the Egyptian authorities at a senior level the need for a transparent and impartial investigation, in full co-operation with Italy, so that Mr Regeni's killers can be brought to justice.

Egypt: Detainees

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what stepsthey have taken (1) to call for the release of three members of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights organisation who were arrested by the government of Egypt following a meeting with European diplomats on 3 November, and(2) to communicate any concerns to the government of Egypt about civil rights inthat country.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is deeply concerned about the arrest of Gasser Abdel Razek, Mohammed Basheer and Karim Ennarah. We continue to raise our concerns with the Egyptian authorities both in London and in Cairo. All human rights defenders should be able to work without fear of arrest or reprisals. The Foreign Secretary raised the issue directly with his Egyptian counterpart on 19 November. We are working closely with partners in the international community who share our concerns.

Gibraltar: UK Trade with EU

Lord Chidgey: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are undertaking trade negotiations with the EU on the basis that any future relationship agreement will apply to Gibraltar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to negotiate for the whole UK family, which includes Gibraltar. We remain fully committed to finding a solution that supports Gibraltar, its people and its economy.The UK and the Government of Gibraltar have held a number of constructive discussions with Spain on this issue. It is clearly in all parties' interests to find a solution, to ensure ongoing well-being and prosperity in the region.

Saudi Arabia: Human Rights

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Prime Minister raised (1) human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, including (a) the continued potential use of the death penalty for those who allegedly committed crimes as minors, and (b) the continued detention of women activists arrested in 2018 for campaigning for the right to drive, and (2) the case for ensuring unimpeded access for human rights groups to Yemen, in his discussions with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia on 24 November.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Our close relationship with Saudi Arabia allows us to raise our concerns about human rights, including on political detainees and use of the death penalty, in private and in public. The Prime Minister addressed the issue of women's rights and further developments needed in that area in his recent discussions with the Crown Prince.The UK strongly opposes the death penalty in all countries and in all circumstances, as a matter of principle. This is especially the case for juveniles and for crimes other than the most serious. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa raised the death penalty with Dr Awwad al Awwad, President of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission, during his virtual visit in July. I raised the death penalty in a call with Dr Awwad in June.We have consistently raised concerns over the continued detention of women's rights defenders at senior levels with the Saudi authorities. The UK signed a statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 15 September, calling for the release of women's rights defenders. I raised women's rights defenders during my call with Dr Awwad in June. The Minister for the Middle East most recently raised the women's rights defenders' cases with the Saudi Ambassador to the UK on 16 November.We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Yemen, which is a human rights priority country for the UK. We call on all parties to facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian actors and agencies and ensure that humanitarian workers are able to conduct their work safely and without harm.

Malaria: Children

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are providing to prevent children from dying from malaria.

Baroness Sugg: The UK is committed to driving down malaria deaths. This is closely linked to our manifesto commitment to end the preventable deaths of mothers, newborns and children. In 2019, under five-year olds accounted for 67% of all malaria deaths globally.The UK continues to be one of the most generous donors in the world on malaria. UK investments are broad and lead to significant impact. For example, our support to the Medicines for Malaria ventures has led to the development of the world's first child - friendly antimalarial drug, which has been distributed in more than 50 countries. The UK's current £1.4 billion pledge to the Global Fund is the largest to date and will help to distribute 92 million bednets. The UK's support to countries to strengthen health systems will help to protect the most vulnerable, including children, through sustained malaria prevention and control programmes.

Department for Work and Pensions

Arcadia Group: Pensions

Lord Myners: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ask the Pensions Regulator to investigate (1) the competence, (2) the conduct, and (3) the decisions, of the trustees of the various Arcadia pensions schemes.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: The Pensions Regulator is an independent body. The Honorable Lord can refer back to the statement made by the Secretary of State for BEIS in December. The Pensions Regulator has a range of powers to protect pension schemes, and it works closely with other organisations who are addressing the Arcadia business. The Pension Schemes Bill currently progressing through Parliament includes measures to enhance these powers and includes improvements to assist with investigations.

Universal Credit: Appeals

Baroness Sherlock: To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the (1) average, (2) longest, and (3) shortest, clearance time for (a) a mandatory reconsideration, and (b) a successful appeal outcome to be implemented, in relation to Universal Credit in each month of 2020.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: Table 1 below shows the Median, Lower Quartile and Upper Quartile of the number of days taken for a Universal Credit (UC) Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) to be cleared from registration. This data covers all UC MRs cleared in each month from January 2020 – October 2020, and does not include those cancelled or withdrawn. Table 1: Times from UC MR registration to clearance in days from January 2020 – October 2020 MonthLower QuartileMedianUpper QuartileJan-201027162Feb-20823100Mar-20133094Apr-2062243May-2074079Jun-201441112Jul-201449166Aug-201241147Sep-201435105Oct-20102763  Please note that information about the extremes of a distribution (e.g. the maximum clearance time) risks being disclosive. We would not release this information publicly. Therefore, we have presented information on the lower quartile, median and upper quartile of clearance times. Over the same period the UC caseload, expressed as ‘People on Universal Credit’, increased from 2.77 million to 5.73 million with a sharp increase from 3.00 million to 5.26 million between 12th March and 14th May 2020. People on Universal Credit counts the number of people with an open claim on the count date who had accepted a claimant commitment and verified their identity. These figures are from the Universal Credit official statistics publication available on gov.uk which also includes figures on volumes of claims, starts and households. The information requested on the clearance times for a successful appeal outcome to be implemented is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. NotesFigures are for Great Britain only.The MR clearance times are unpublished data. They should be used with caution and may be subject to future revision.The median is presented as the average instead of the mean because the mean can be unduly affected by outlying cases.Definition of Lower Quartile: The lower quartile is the value for which 25% of all clearance times fall below if you were to order the distribution from lowest value to highest value.Definition of median: The median time is the middle value if you were to order all the times within the distribution from lowest value to highest value.Definition of Upper Quartile: The upper quartile is the value for which 75% of all clearance times fall below if you were to order the distribution from lowest value to highest value.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Pesticides: Rivers

Lord Greaves: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reportby the University of Sussex, Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, and theEnvironment Agency,Potential role of veterinary flea products in widespread pesticide contamination of English rivers, published on 7 November; andwhat steps they intend to take in response to that report.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble: The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has evaluated the report and while acknowledging the general findings, also recognises that no definitive conclusions can be drawn from it. The VMD works closely with the Environment Agency and was already aware of the monitoring data, which are pivotal to the publication.The publication suggests that veterinary medicines may be contributing to the levels of parasiticides present in the UK waters. The paper under discussion only loosely acknowledges that there is a lack of understanding and data in key areas to ascertain if veterinary medicines are causing harm in the environment. Such areas include the need to assess how much of these compounds are bound and not in free form, and therefore unavailable to cause harm. These aspects need to be considered when evaluating the potential impact of these compounds on the aquatic environment and are not emphasised in the report. Importantly, the report also did not distinguish exposure routes of other potential sources of parasiticide (e.g. ant baits, use in greenhouses, historic agricultural use and products used to protect textiles), which may be significant. Much uncertainty remains, therefore, over the actual contribution from veterinary medicinal use.Parasiticides are used in veterinary medicines for the treatment of fleas and ticks on companion animals. It is possible that following their use on dogs and cats, some parasiticides may reach the aquatic environment. The environmental exposure assessments conducted for such flea products, however, consider the exposure of the aquatic environment to be low.Medicines containing imidacloprid and fipronil are accompanied by advice to users to keep treated animals out of watercourses for 2 to 4 days after treatment. If these measures are followed, it is expected that exposure to the environment should be negligible.Due to concerns and uncertainties raised by previous research and monitoring data, the VMD commissioned research in 2019 to investigate the potential environmental exposure pathways for dog and cat flea and tick products, to assess the significance of the use of neonicotinoids (e.g. imidacloprid) and other parasiticides (e.g. fipronil) on the aquatic environment. This research is due to be completed in March 2023.Pending the findings of this commissioned research, and other available evidence, currently we do not have any plans to change the existing regulatory controls on veterinary medicines, including the use of flea treatments for pets and the existing risk mitigation warnings, which protect animal health, human health and the environment.Defra is committed to continuing to consider the evidence to inform any policy decisions or other interventions such as reinforcing the message not to wash animals for the period stipulated.

Coastal Erosion: Housing

Lord Walney: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Goldsmith of Richmond Park on 25 November (HL10259), whether they intend to provide a geographical breakdown of (1) the 2,000 properties in England at risk from loss to coastal erosion in England by 2060, assuming current Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) policies are implemented, (2) the 5,000 properties potentially at risk by the 2030s from coastal erosion if SMPs are not implemented, and (3) the 28,000 properties potentially at risk by the 2060s (based on high emissions scenarios from UKCP09).

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The number of projected properties (residential and non-residential) at risk from coastal erosion loss under three scenarios are as follows:2201 properties at risk from erosion to 2060 'With Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Policy' scenario, 50 percentile (mid-range) projection (England only).5092 properties at risk from erosion to 2030 'No Intervention' scenario, 50 percentile (mid-range) projection (England only).27900 properties at risk from erosion to 2060 'No Intervention' scenario, 50 percentile (mid-range) projection (England only).National Coastal Erosion Risk Map (NCERM) erosion projections are available as Open Data, and information for all coastal areas of England can be reviewed by accessing the NCERM . People can also check their risk by inputting their postcode and looking at the flood risk maps on our website, or by looking at the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for their local area: https://www.gov.uk/check-coastal-erosion-management-in-your-area .The Environment Agency will be updating NCERM to reflect UKCP18 emissions scenarios in 2021, and will be exploring potential ways to share property risk information from NCERM as part of that exercise, which will conclude in 2023.

International Council for Exploration of the Sea: Finance

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the International Council for Exploration of the Seas (ICES); if so, when; and what annual budget they intend toallocate for ICES' research and scientific activities from 2021.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK is in the process of finalising the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The UK expects to sign the MoU in time for it to enter into force on 1 January 2021. The cost to the UK for advice received from ICES will be outlined within the MoU.

Home Office

Immigrants: Domestic Abuse

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer byBaroness Williams of Trafford on 23 November (HL Deb, col 12) that “it is essential that migrant victims of domestic abuse, including those with no resource to public funds, are treated first and foremost as victims”, what plans they have to ensure that migrant victims of domestic abuse do not have immigration enforcement action taken against them under the proposed Support for Migrant Victims Scheme.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are currently reviewing the competition for the Support for Migrant Victims scheme following sector feedback, including considering how information is shared and recorded as part of the scheme to enable an evaluation of the needs of migrant victims.In particular, we are looking at practical solutions that will provide reassurance to migrant victims of domestic abuse using the scheme that they will be able to access safe accommodation and support as a priority. We will conduct further engagement with the sector on the competition for funding in the near future.

Immigrants: Housing

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 2 November (HL9318), what recent monitoring they have conducted of asylum seeker accommodation in Pembrokeshire and Folkestone; whether they will publish any reports or results of such monitoring; and what steps they intend to take should such reports show that the accommodation is not “safe, habitable, fit for purpose and correctly equipped".

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government demands the highest standards from contractors and their accommodation and monitor them closely to ensure this is maintained. All accommodation provided is required to be safe, habitable, fit for purpose and correctly equipped, and to comply with relevant national or local housing legislation. These standards apply to all accommodation used by the Home Office including the Ministry of Defence sites in Pembrokeshire and Folkestone.Both Penally and Napier Barracks have been inspected during November, neither inspection found any contractual failings. There are no plans to publish the inspection reports.

Police: Suicide

Baroness Harris of Richmond: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of police suicides between 2011 and 2019, published by the Office for National Statistics on 30 October 2019.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The death of any police officer is a tragedy. The Government and police leaders take this matter seriously and are working to support the mental and physical wellbeing of all police officers and staff.We have invested in programmes which offer help directly to officers and staff. This includes £7.5 to fund the development of the National Police Wellbeing Service, which was launched in 2019. The Service is helping forces to identify where there is most risk of impacts on mental health, and developing work around building resilience, as well as putting in place support for those who need it in response to traumatic events.The Government has also accelerated work to introduce a Police Covenant, which will ensure our police get the support and protection they need. The Covenant will be enshrined in law, with provisions being brought forward later this session, and the Home Secretary will have a duty to report annually on progress.Our focus will be on health and wellbeing, physical protection and support for families. We are in no doubt that an area we must focus on is mental health support. We will continue to work closely with policing partners to ensure the Covenant has a lasting impact on our police.

Immigrants: Domestic Abuse

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer byBaroness Williams of Trafford on 23 November (HL Deb, col 12) what plans they have to meet representatives of the Step Up Migrant Women campaign to discuss the proposed Support for Migrant Victims Scheme.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We engaged with representatives of the Step Up Migrant Women campaign at our recent webinar with the sector on 22 October.We greatly value the feedback provided by the sector and are considering their concerns as we review the Support for Migrant Victims Scheme prospectus. We will be arranging meetings with sector organisations in the coming weeks to discuss proposed changes and would welcome a meeting with representatives of the Step Up Migrant Women campaign.

Cabinet Office

UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland

Lord Empey: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord True on 25 November, (HL10219), to (1) list the subset of rules concerning goods and electricity markets applying as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol, (2) set out what, if any, consent arrangements were established for these rules to apply in Northern Ireland, and (3) set out what assessment they have made, if any, of the implications of these rules with regard to the European Commission exercising executive authority over Northern Ireland.

Lord True: The rules applied by the Protocol are outlined in its text and Annexes. Parliament was provided with the assessments made regarding its implications during the passage of the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2020 which ratified the Withdrawal Agreement.The consent arrangements are outlined in Article 18 of the Protocol and the Declaration of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the operation of the ‘Democratic consent in Northern Ireland’ provision of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. These arrangements are being provided in domestic law through The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (Democratic Consent Process) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which is presently making its way through both Houses.

UK Trade with EU

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how they plan to inform companies on which provisions governing trade with the EU will be no longer be in place after the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU.

Lord True: To help companies get ready, we have launched a major communications campaign in the UK and EU urging businesses to visit gov.uk/transition to take action now, get their personalised list of actions and subscribe to find out when things change.The Government will continue to review and update the guidance we have published to help ensure businesses are as prepared as possible for the changes and opportunities the end of the year will bring.

Elections: Coronavirus

Lord Rennard: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case to consider changes to electoral arrangements for elections to be held in May 2021; what consultations theyintend to hold with the Electoral Commission and others about any such arrangements; and what plans they have, if any, to change requirements so (1) nomination papers require only two signatures, and (2) that nominations may be accepted by email.

Lord True: Further to the answer I have already given to PQ HL10099, the Government is working with the electoral administrators and Public Health England to identify and resolve challenges involved in delivering the May 2021 elections, including ensuring polling stations are safe and covid-secure places to vote. People will be able participate in the polls safely, and in a way of their choice, whether by post, proxy or in-person.This was outlined in the Minister for the Constitution and Devolution’s letter to Electoral Returning Officers, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letter-from-chloe-smith-mp-to-returning-officers

Department for International Trade

Rules of Origin

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that rules of origin may be declared on signed commercial invoices without the need to seek certification from external sources.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: HM Government is committed to seeking modern Rules of Origin that are clear, simple and facilitate trade. In the United Kingdom-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), for instance, we negotiated a system of self-certification and, in line with our commitments at the World Trade Organisation, HM Government has committed to maintain a self-certification proof of origin on a commercial invoice for Least Developed Countries. Additionally, transitioned agreements will continue to allow the option of a declaration made out on a commercial invoice where this was allowed under the EU agreement. HM Revenue and Customs continues to consider other methods to streamline customs procedures.

Manufacturing Industries: Trade Agreements

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that manufacturers are aware of the regulatory frameworks established in new trade deals with third countries during the period when 'roll over' agreements continue to apply EU regulations.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: When trade agreements are signed, the Department for International Trade publishes clear, accurate and up-to-date information about it. GOV.UK contains links to guidance on continuity agreements signed to date; these agreements aim to secure the existing trading arrangements that British businesses had through EU trade deals.

Intellectual Property: Trade Agreements

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensurethat their international trade agreements are consistent with their existing international treaty obligations on (1) intellectual property in general, and (2)the Convention on the Grant of European Patents.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The United Kingdom has a robust intellectual property regime and will remain fully compliant with the World Trade Organisation’s framework for intellectual property, the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. We remain a full member of the World Intellectual Property Organisation and a party to international agreements on intellectual property too. As stated in our published negotiating objectives for the negotiations with the US, Australia and New Zealand, we are committed to ensuring that any provisions agreed in future trade agreements are consistent with our existing international obligations, including the European Patent Convention (EPC), to which the United Kingdom is party.

Intellectual Property: Trade Agreements

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that intellectual property standards within future trade agreements are maintained at a level at least the same as those of the UK.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: The United Kingdom’s intellectual property (IP) regime is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. HM Government sees future trade agreements as opportunities to build on our global leadership in this area to develop a world-class IP chapter, reflecting the strengths of our domestic regime and supporting growth and innovation. Getting the right outcome for British inventors, creators and consumers will be key as we develop our trading relationships with other countries. One of our priorities will be making sure that future trade agreement negotiations do not negatively impact on the standards and balance of the United Kingdom‘s regime or the ability to promote trade in intellectual property.

Trade Agreements: Rules of Origin

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the absence of rules of origin in free trade agreements on the ability of SMEs to price goods accurately.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: Rules of Origin are an important aspect of the United Kingdom’s free trade agreements, as they ensure that only the parties to a free trade agreement can utilise the preferential tariff rates offered and protect against circumvention. However, HM Government recognises that Rules of Origin create costs for traders (and therefore consumers). This is why HM Government is seeking Rules of Origin that reflect the requirements of British industry, supported by predictable and low-cost administrative arrangements, which are inclusive and accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). HM Government is committed to providing support and guidance to SMEs so that they can comply with Rules of Origin and understand the costs of compliance.

Customs

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to prepare companies for any new import commodities codes thatwill be introduced after the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU.

Lord Grimstone of Boscobel: HM Government is currently running the ‘Check, Change, Go’ campaign advising business how to prepare for 1 January 2021. We have met with businesses on this issue and we are listening to their concerns. To help businesses plan for next year we have provided further advice on gov.uk pages on what new customs processes will be in place, including informing businesses that commodity codes will be staying largely the same from 1 January 2021. We will continue to make any routine updates to commodity codes and will provide more information as these updates become available. As of 1 January 2021, businesses will be able to access this information on the Trade Tariff Tool.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Internet: Safety

Lord Bassam of Brighton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) any governance and regulatory gaps in online harms protections that will emerge at the end of the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU, and (2) the risks to young people from any further delay to the publication of proposed online harms legislation.

Baroness Barran: As the Government has transposed all relevant legislation, there will not be any gaps in online harms protection at the end of the transition period. The government is also working at pace to deliver online harms legislation next year, which will introduce comprehensive protections for young people.The Government transposed the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive into domestic law on the 30th September and the Regulations came into force on the 1st of November 2020. UK-established video sharing platforms are required to take appropriate measures to protect minors from content which may impair their physical, mental or moral development, and all users from illegal content.The AVMS Directive aligns well with the Government’s plans to tackle online harms, in particular in its requirements on UK-established video sharing platforms to have systems in place to protect users, especially minors. It should be noted that the video sharing platform regime will be repealed and will be superseded by the online harms regulatory framework, once it comes into force.The Government is firmly committed to making the UK the safest place to be online and is working at pace to introduce this legislation. We will publish the Full Government Response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation later this year, which will contain more detailed proposals on online harms regulation and will be released alongside interim voluntary codes on tackling online terrorist and child sexual exploitation and abuse content and activity. This will be followed by legislation, which will be ready next year.

The Senior Deputy Speaker

Palace of Westminster: Fire Extinguishers

Lord Berkeley: To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what plans there are to install fire extinguishing systems which use water mist or water spray in (1) the roof, and (2) other inaccessible parts, of the Palace of Westminster.

Lord Laming: The Senior Deputy Speaker has asked me, as Chair of the Services Committee, to respond on his behalf. Both Houses recognise the value that suppression systems can add to an overall package of Fire Safety. A requirement to install suppression systems when major refurbishment works are undertaken in all Parliamentary buildings is part of our current fire safety strategy, any decision to use suppression assesses risks and takes account of the historic fabric of our buildings.As part of the recent Fire Safety Improvement Works a High Pressure Water Mist suppression system was installed in the Palace basement, and the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment has included the installation of a full sprinkler system. Further works on the roof and other parts of the Palace are subject to future projects likely to be delivered through Restoration and Renewal. Design of the plans, including Fire Safety, is the responsibility of the Sponsor Board and Delivery Authority, with input from House Officials. I understand that suppression is being considered, as part of a suite of fire safety options, in the ongoing work to create the outline business case.